Pokémon, ESA Team Up

The European Space Agency and Pokémon have partnered to release a new collection of merchandise, featuring an astronaut Pikachu plush. The plush is modelled after the one taken to the International Space Station by ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot earlier this year.

The collection includes two Pikachu plushies, apparel, pins, and Pokémon Trading Card Game accessories, available at The Pokémon Center. A binder, deck box, and playmat show illustrations of astronaut Pikachu with other Pokémon.

The partnership began on April 11, when the original astronaut Pikachu plush was launched into space, spending 67 days in orbit. The Pokémon Center's new collection is available ahead of World Space Week, which starts on October 4.

A new space-themed event has launched in Pokémon GO, running from October 4-10, featuring a Timed Research set and opportunities to catch astronaut Pikachu. The event is small, with no other bonuses.

There are two ways to get astronaut Pikachu during the event: through raids and Timed Research. The research involves doing raids and rewards players with a Pikachu encounter, 2,500 XP, and 2,500 Stardust.

The Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and this collaboration aims to inspire and delight fans with cosmic possibilities. A figure of Pikachu in his astronaut outfit is also planned, but no release date has been announced.

The collection includes a range of items, from T-shirts and hoodies to a bomber jacket with individual Pokémon patches and a Poké Ball zipper. Fans can purchase these items directly from The Pokémon Center.